San Fran's 311 App Allows Residents to Report Homeless Who Need Assistance
Cadhla Gray — October 17, 2015 — Social Good
San Francisco is an extremely modern city in many ways, its recent innovation being the 311 city app that now allows citizens to report those in need of a homeless service.
The homeless service section of the app allows users to send the police, Homeless Outreach or Department of Public Health a notification about a homeless person in need. Whether it's an aggressive panhandler, growing encampment or a violently sick individual, the app will automatically route the report to the most appropriate service for dealing with the matter. A photo, details and location can all be included in an effort to help connect the city's large homeless community to the the vast amount of existing resources.
By using a mobile platform to help the homeless, the 311 app provides an excellent example of how technology can be used for social good.
The homeless service section of the app allows users to send the police, Homeless Outreach or Department of Public Health a notification about a homeless person in need. Whether it's an aggressive panhandler, growing encampment or a violently sick individual, the app will automatically route the report to the most appropriate service for dealing with the matter. A photo, details and location can all be included in an effort to help connect the city's large homeless community to the the vast amount of existing resources.
By using a mobile platform to help the homeless, the 311 app provides an excellent example of how technology can be used for social good.
Trend Themes
1. Homeless Outreach Apps - The development of apps for homeless outreach is a trend in using technology for social good.
2. Mobile Platforms for Homelessness Services - Designing mobile platforms for homelessness services is a trend in improving homeless outreach programs through technology.
3. Community Resource Mapping for Homelessness - The trend of community resource mapping for homelessness enables better outreach and care for people experiencing homelessness.
Industry Implications
1. Tech Industry - With the growing trend of homeless outreach apps, the tech industry can invest more resources in social innovation.
2. Nonprofit Sector - Developers of homeless outreach apps can create strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations to improve homeless services.
3. Public Health Services - The development of mobile platforms for homelessness can improve communication between public health services and homeless individuals in need of care.
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